Cover photo of Taqueria El Carreton

Taqueria El Carreton

41,477 reviewsOpen Now · 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM817 Oley St, Reading, PA
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Dine-in

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Stepping into Taqueria El Carreton at 817 Oley St, Reading, PA 19604, is like uncovering a true culinary treasure. As someone who appreciates authentic flavors and a genuine dining experience, I can confidently say that this spot stands out as a beacon of traditional Mexican cuisine in the heart of Reading. It's not just a restaurant; it's a vibrant expression of Mexican culinary artistry, served in a welcoming, unpretentious setting that immediately makes you feel at home.

The moment you walk in, you're greeted by the inviting aromas of simmering meats and fresh tortillas, a clear sign that you've found a taqueria dedicated to genuine taste. The vibe here is distinctly Mexican casual, lively, and focused squarely on the food. It's the kind of place where locals gather, families share meals, and everyone leaves satisfied. Forget fancy frills; El Carreton delivers on flavor and authenticity, making it a beloved institution for those craving real Mexican fare.

Now, let's talk about the food, because that's where Taqueria El Carreton truly shines. Their menu is a delightful journey through Mexican gastronomy, featuring an extensive array of dishes that consistently earn rave reviews. Naturally, the tacos are a star attraction. From the classic Carne Asada and Al Pastor to the succulent Carnitas, each taco is a masterpiece of flavor, served on perfectly soft tortillas. You’ll find some truly special options, including their excellent Fish Tacos, which are a must-try for seafood lovers. Beyond the tacos, the menu boasts other incredible offerings that showcase the kitchen’s versatility, including their popular gorditas.

For those with a hearty appetite, the Ay Chihuahua Fajitas are a sizzling spectacle, packed with tender meats and vibrant vegetables, delivering a burst of flavor with every bite. The Huarache De Bistec is another standout, offering a thick, masa-based tortilla topped with savory steak and all the traditional fixings – a truly authentic experience. And you absolutely cannot visit without trying their Excellent Grande Quesadillas, which live up to their name in both size and deliciousness, generously filled and perfectly grilled. To start your meal, the Large Guacamole and Chips is an essential choice; the guacamole is fresh, creamy, and seasoned to perfection, served alongside crispy chips and vibrant salsa that set the tone for the feast ahead.

The dedication to fresh ingredients and traditional recipes is evident in every dish, from the robust main courses to the delightful desserts. Make sure to save room for something sweet; their Churros are wonderfully crispy and dusted with cinnamon sugar, while the rich, creamy Flan provides a perfect, decadent end to your meal. The service matches the warmth of the food friendly, efficient, and always ready to offer recommendations or a welcoming smile. This commitment to quality food and a genuine dining experience is what makes Taqueria El Carreton a standout.

In essence, Taqueria El Carreton is more than just a place to eat; it’s an experience. It's where the rich tapestry of Mexican flavors comes alive, offering everything from iconic tacos and flavorful gorditas to expansive quesadillas and satisfying fajitas. For anyone in Reading, PA, seeking an authentic, delicious, and memorable Mexican meal in a comfortable setting, Taqueria El Carreton is an absolute must-visit destination that promises to delight your palate and leave you planning your next return.

mexicantacosfish tacosgorditastaqueria

Photos

Amenities & More

1

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible restroom
2

Service options

  • In-store shopping
3

Amenities

  • Restroom
  • Parking
4

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • Cash

What's on the menu

Popular picks

10 Tacos Campechanos

10 Tacos Campechanos

Ay Chihuahua Fajitas

Ay Chihuahua Fajitas

Large Guacamole and Chips

Large Guacamole and Chips

Huarache De Bistec

Huarache De Bistec

Churros

Churros

Excellent Grande Quesadillas

Excellent Grande Quesadillas

Guacamole and Chips and Salsa

Guacamole and Chips and Salsa

Flan

Flan

Tacos De Res Beef

Tacos De Res Beef

Gordita De Bistec

Gordita De Bistec

Chicken Quesadilla

Chicken Quesadilla

Huarache de Adobada

Huarache de Adobada

Gordita de Pollo

Gordita de Pollo

Aguas Frescas de Tamarindo Mango Y Piña

Aguas Frescas de Tamarindo Mango Y Piña

Menu

  • Delicious Sopes$8.00
  • Mexican Tacos$3.00
  • Delectable Tortas$10.00
  • Famous Gorditas$8.00
  • Traditional Enchiladas$15.00

Reviews for Taqueria El Carreton

4

1,477 reviews

5
60%
4
10%
3
0%
2
10%
1
20%

Showing 10 of 1,477 reviews

Elianny Rodriguez

May 22, 2026

In my opinion, this is hands down the best taco spot in Reading. You truly can't beat their daily offer of ten tacos for ten dollars, which provides incredible value every single day. Beyond the fantastic tacos, their tortas are also absolutely next-level delicious. While the service can be a little slow at times, the quality of the food makes the wait completely worth it. Just remember to bring cash, as this is a cash-only restaurant.

Peter Michael Lopez

May 22, 2026

This spot consistently delivers fantastic, authentic Mexican cuisine. Every dish we tried was incredibly fresh and bursting with deliciousness, truly a treat for the taste buds. Our service was both incredibly quick and wonderfully polite, making the experience even better. We certainly indulged, ordering a wide variety of items from the menu, and let me tell you, every single plate ended up completely clean!

Ivette Torres

May 22, 2026

I genuinely can't get enough of this spot, particularly when Taco Tuesday rolls around. The flavors are fantastic, especially with their delicious roast pork, tender chicken, and perfectly seasoned pork options. It's truly a yummy experience, and the generous portions are great for sharing with a group.

Health Marriage Momma of twnz

May 22, 2026

The menudo I was served felt more like a stew and was notably missing the essential tripe. It seemed to be pure tomatoes poured over a base of fat, and adding onion and cilantro couldn't salvage the flavor. The oil from all that fat certainly didn't enhance the dish; it just made it unappetizing. My tacos were equally disappointing, filled with nothing but fatty pieces. This establishment used to be really good, and I hope they start checking their quality more regularly.

Emmy Negron

May 22, 2026

I placed an order for food from this establishment just today, and while our past experiences have generally been quite good, that changed drastically. To my absolute dismay, I discovered a bug in my rice, and I thoroughly checked to confirm it was indeed a pest, not just burnt grains. The thought of finding a roach in my food is utterly repulsive, and as a result, we will certainly not be returning here.

Fabian Navarro II

May 22, 2026

Having been a patron for over a decade, I fondly remember when their huaraches were truly exceptional, but lately, it feels as though with each passing year, the flavor has steadily diminished. Beyond the declining taste, my recent experience with service was frustrating; despite being quoted 25 minutes for an order placed in advance, I ended up waiting nearly an hour for my food upon arrival, which was particularly perplexing since the establishment didn't appear busy at all. Finally, the current pricing is baffling; two huaraches now set me back $30, a significant jump from the $15 I used to pay.

Reese Parker

May 22, 2026

When I'm in the mood for a meal that breaks from the ordinary, this place perfectly embodies my ideal destination. I absolutely cherish their tacos, fajitas, and burritos, and these particular dishes come highly recommended.

socorro roldan

May 22, 2026

I was truly impressed by the outstanding food and the wonderfully attentive service I received. The prices were very fair, and it was clear the entire place was kept exceptionally clean. I absolutely plan on returning soon.

Kristin Herrera

May 22, 2026

I was truly impressed by the exceptionally good and genuinely authentic food I enjoyed. The prices were fantastic, and the staff were wonderfully friendly, making for a delightful experience overall. I absolutely plan on returning soon and will definitely be bringing more family and friends with me to share in the enjoyment.

Pamela Perez

May 22, 2026

I found this to be a fantastic establishment, where the prices are just right. The staff members are always so pleasant, and I especially appreciate how fast and reliable their service is for pickups. Seriously, I'm completely in love with their tacos!

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Opening hours

Mon10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location

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